VANDALIA

This village is situated in the northeastern part of the township and takes in the southwest quarter of Section 9. It was laid off in lots in the month of February 1839 by Joseph Cochran and Jacob Hicks and early received the reputation of a stirring business place. Among the first settlers in the town were John Hoagland and Washington Walgamott. The first store was kept by James Black who sold goods for about three years and did a large business. Other early merchants were: James Allender, Edward Maxey, William Davis, Jacob Everly, Lorenzo Coats, George Troth, Jacob Oberholser. An early hotel was kept by James Davis, who was also the first post master.